Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Tennessee

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Tennessee

Posted By
McLendon & Milligan

In the event of an accident in Tennessee, all drivers are legally responsible
to stop their vehicle, provide necessary information, and remain until
the pieces are put together and aid is given to the parties involved.
If you have been charged with a hit and run, you are likely unsure of
what to expect in court and what you are up against. At Dana McLendon
Law, we can help you understand the situation and use our experience to
your advantage.

In some hit and run cases, the charge is a mere mistake and was caused
through manipulation of the truth. Some cases are the result of an honest
mistake or a result of panic after the accident. Regardless of the situation,
it is important to get the facts straight and begin building a powerful
defense. We need to hear your case from your perspective, so pick up the
phone today.

What Am I Required to Do After Being Involved in an Accident?

All you know is that you cannot “leave the scene” of an accident,
but what does this actually mean that you must do and cannot do? First
of all, when you stop at the scene of the accident you were involved in,
make sure that your vehicle is not in the way of traffic. If you or any
of the other parties is injured, get medical attention. If necessary,
call 911 to get medical attention.

The three basic rules to avoid a legal charge are:

Stop as soon as possible and return to the location where the crash occurred

What Type of Penalties to Expect

If convicted for leaving the scene of an accident, the penalties will mainly
depend on the severity of your crash. Your license will be revoked for
a time regardless of the situation. In cases that only involve property
damage, you can be looking at around 30 days in jail with an additional
fine. When more than $400 in damage occurs, your license will be suspended.

If the accident results in physical injury or death of another person and
you have been charged with a hit and run, you can be faced with a Class
A misdemeanor. The potential penalty would be up to 1 year in jail and
a fine of up to $2,500.

Building a Powerful Defense for a Hit and Run Charge in Tennessee

You can take comfort in knowing that there are possible defenses to a hit
and run charge. Whether the prosecutors have overcharged your crime or
you left the accident by mistake or out of panic, we can assess the situation
and develop a logical defense from there. You need someone who is on your
side and who can clearly articulate the situation.

You will want to get the help of a legal counselor who can protect your
rights and fight on your behalf. When you work with our law firm, you
will not be passed off to an assistant or paralegal. Attorney Dana McLendon
will personally work by your side and pursue the best possible result
on your behalf.